West Ham United have been warned that the upcoming fixture against Arsenal could descend into chaos on the terraces if ongoing concerns around rival fans are not addressed.
It’s an issue that has been bubbling away for some time — and one that reared its head again when Manchester United visited the London Stadium earlier this season.
Previous incidents raise serious concerns
As Claret & Hugh reported at the time, away supporters appeared to gain access to home sections with little resistance.
In one instance, an entire row of Manchester United fans were seated together, making no attempt to hide their identity — a clear breach of Premier League safety guidelines.
There was also an incident involving a United fan walking through the concourse with a derogatory sign, openly taunting West Ham supporters. Despite this, she was not ejected and later had a drink thrown over her.
It’s amazing the brazen nature of Manchester United fans openly mocking West Ham fans in home sections didn’t end in serious injury
To add to the double standards, West Ham Fan TV were moved from their usual filming spot, while Manchester United social media influencers were seemingly allowed to continue without issue.
“It was a farce”
Speaking after the game, a regular Claret & Hugh reader and former FAB member told me:
“It was a farce inside the stadium. This would never have happened at Upton Park where the stewards were West Ham fans.”
Ongoing issue since move to Stratford
Opposition fans accessing West Ham sections has been a recurring problem since the move to Stratford.
With tickets regularly appearing on resale platforms, it has become increasingly difficult to control who is sitting where.
Arsenal game raises fresh fears
With Arsenal due at the London Stadium on May 10th, there are real concerns that the same issues could arise again.
There is a strong likelihood that Gunners fans will attempt to enter home areas, potentially wearing club colours — something that has happened on multiple occasions before.
FAB steps in with formal warning
The West Ham United Fan Advisory Board has now formally raised concerns with the club over ticketing and security arrangements for the Arsenal fixture.
They have also flagged the final game of the season against Leeds United as another potential flashpoint.
Risk of escalation
The overriding concern is that this ongoing issue could escalate.
If left unchecked, it risks leading to more serious disturbances inside the stadium.
Its been going on from day one!….We had a rugby fan next to us with a season ticket!…For two years he didnt have a clue about the game…Kept asking us what the opposition were chanting etc.
The problem stems from youtubers promoting the fact that its ok to stay away from LS…
Its a souless bowl etc…Perhaps if they started physically supporting the team or promoting the attendance of games. Then tickets wouldnt be readily available…Its ok to keep blaming Sullivan ..But when you dont get off your arse and go then really you have no argument.
Half and half scarves, this should be a reason to be thrown out straight away……
I can’t wait for Millwall to visit. Both inside and outside the stadium will be absolute carnage. The folly of taking over an athletics stadium in the middle of a park will be mercilessly exposed.
Wait til we have Millwall at the bowl, gonna happen at some stage.
I come in that entrance Trevor and although I’ve not been asked to prove I’m a Hammer, I have told them what I think of asking an OAP every game to empty all my pockets. I could have understood the way I looked back in the 70s, but there again it was the old turnstiles at Upton Park and the ticket guy had the same East End accent.
Gosh! Such a worry.
Thank goodness that FAB have found something to do.
COYI
I entered turnstile C disabled entrance and wearing a claret and blue jacket with west ham badges on it.
I was asked to prove I’m a West Ham supporter.
I showed them my season ticket my West Ham tattoo and they still questioned me further.
It was Brentford in the cup.
I gave them my response. Which you can probably guess what I said. Then went and got pie n mash